About Us

Ralph Robbins, Honorary Band Member

For 41 years, Ralph Robbins maintained the pulse of the band. His steady, resonant "thump, thump, thump" on the bass drum helped establish the Keene American Legion Band as one of the finest marching units in the American Legion organization. In parades and concerts from New England to Hawaii, Ralph shared his musical talents enthusiastically. Through the decades, it has been Ralph's rock-solid cadence that has kept this band in sync as it has performed its repertoire of military marches, polkas, big band swing and concert works.

Ralph has also generously shared his gifts of leadership by serving on the band's board-of-directors in a number of capacities including treasurer and most recently as the band's president. He also served as the band's liaison to the American Legion Department of New Hampshire and in this capacity became our ambassador to the state's American Legion family. Ralph, together with his loving wife Barbara, worked tirelessly organizing the band's nearly annual trips to the various American Legion National Conventions.

In December of 2006, Ralph laid down his drum mallets for the last time and retired from the band that he had given to so much of himself. While the band has continued on, Ralph and Barbara are both sorely missed. In recognition of his years of service and generous contributions of leadership to the band, on January 27th, 2008, Ralph was presented with an honorary membership into the Keene American Legion Band. This honorary membership is the first of its kind in the band's history, and it is altogether fitting that Ralph was the first to receive this recognition.

Photographs taken by Marlene Baldwin and Marc Longueil captured the event as various members of the board and band were in attendance for the presentation.With deep appreciation, sincere admiration and heartfelt affection, Ralph was presented with a certificate detailing his new status within the organization. With his loving wife Barbara at his side, Ralph accepted the certificate with a lump in his throat as he voiced his gratitude for being so honored. During the visit with Ralph, tales of band lore from days gone by were recounted by all present and the sounds of laughter harkened back to good times shared by the band.

After thousands of miles marched and countless concerts given during his 41 years of selfless service, we are proud to name Ralph Robbins as an Honorary Member of the Keene American Legion Band.

Ralph Robbins, in front, with board and band members
(left to right): Marc Longueil, Jim Flanders, Ed Sterling,
Harrison Baldwin, Bill Wessel, Bob Whitney